GOA ACCELERATES CLIMATE ACTION WITH LAUNCH OF ‘GREEN GOA, CLEAN GOA’ MOVEMENT ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2026
“The Future of Goa Depends on the Choices We Make Today,” Says Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant
State Government Targets Plantation of Nearly 10 Lakh Trees Across Goa in 90-Day Green Mission
Panaji: June 05, 2026
With a strong focus on sustainability, ecological conservation and public participation, the Government of Goa on Friday launched the statewide ‘Green Goa, Clean Goa’ movement during the World Environment Day 2026 programme held in Panaji. Inspired by this year’s global theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” the initiative seeks to promote environmental awareness and strengthen climate action efforts across the State.
As part of the programme, the Government announced a 90-day green mission under which nearly 10 lakh trees will be planted across Goa between June 5 and September 5. Plantation drives will also be undertaken along the NH66 corridor from Patradevi to Pollem as part of efforts to gradually develop a green corridor across the State. During the event, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant released the Goa State Pollution Control Board Annual Report 2025-2026, released the book ‘Govyache Krushinayak’, and witnessed the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) and Cacora Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) for the launch of the ‘Waste Management Technician’ Course under the Dual System of Training aimed at capacity building in waste management.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said, “When people hear about planting 10 lakh trees, they think of a plantation drive. But this is much bigger than that. The future of Goa depends on the choices we make today. I appeal to every citizen to plant a tree, nurture it and protect it because environmental responsibility belongs to all of us.” Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, CM Dr. Sawant also called for greater public participation and encouraged industries and companies to contribute towards the campaign through CSR initiatives. Highlighting Goa’s environmental strengths, he said the State has nearly 68% green cover along with 25 wetlands and 168 water bodies, while the Government continues to focus on afforestation, Khazan land revival, sustainable transport and scientific waste management initiatives.
Dr. Sawant further stated that environmental protection and development must move together to ensure a sustainable future for Goa. He praised the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Goa State Pollution Control Board and associated agencies for their continued work towards biodiversity conservation, waste management and ecological restoration.
Dr. Sawant also highlighted Goa’s progress in renewable energy and sustainable transport initiatives, stating that the State continues to emerge as a strong model for environmental governance and climate responsibility.
The programme also featured prize distribution ceremonies for winners of poster competitions, environmental quiz competitions, Eco Chef Championship, photography contests and awards recognising environmental best practices by industries and departments. Awards of the Goa State Biodiversity Board were also presented during the event. Progressive farmers Shri Akshay Purke and Smt. Amita Naik were felicitated for their contribution towards sustainable agriculture.
The event was attended by Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Rajya Sabha; Shri Atanasio Monserrate, Minister for Revenue, Labour and Employment, Waste Management; Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Goa; Shri Rajesh Faldessai, MLA, Cumbarjua Constituency; Shri Rohit Monserrate, Mayor, Corporation of the City of Panaji; Shri Rudolph Fernandes, MLA, St. Cruz Constituency; Shri Sachin S. Desai, Director, Department of Environment and Climate Change; Shri Sarpreet Singh Gill, IAS; Dr. Levinson J. Martins, IAS, Chairman, Goa State Pollution Control Board; Shri Harish Adkonkar; Dr. Geeta Nagvenkar, Member Secretary, Goa State Pollution Control Board; Dr. Pradip Sarmokadam, Member Secretary, Goa State Biodiversity Board; and Shri Sandeep Chodnekar, Principal Chief Engineer, along with senior Government officials, environmentalists, students, farmers and citizens.
DI/NB/KM/SGN/SS/2026/276